Date Shark by DelSheree Gladden Page B

her concerns out loud. Leila had realized her fears were unfounded, though, and tried to tell Eli that.
    “But there wasn’t anything like that. He met with Ana and I earlier in the week, like I told you, and his work was so good he didn’t need to try and cajole a job out of Ana. She was more than happy to hire him. And when we were out last night, he didn’t mention work once.”
    “What did you two talk about then?”
    Leila laughed. “Everything. Food, movies, past relationships, stupid things we’ve done. It felt like talking to a friend. It was nice.”
    “Good, so you were able to learn about some of his interests, right?”
    “Yes. I even asked him questions.”
    “And what did you learn?”
    Leila bit back a smile. “That he’s a bit of a daredevil, that he almost became a filmmaker instead of a photographer, that he likes to ski, and that he loves miso.”
    “Oh no,” Eli laughed, “that might hold up the entire relationship.”
    “No, no, he promised never to try to feed it to me. I nipped that one in the bud right away.”
    “Good for you. Miso is frequently a relationship stressor.”
    Leila flicked her hand against his shoulder. “Shut up.”
    Instead of giving her another snappy comeback, Eli looked away. “Seriously, though, there are some things about Luke that could produce stressful situations for you. For example—and I mean this in the nicest way possible—you, Leila, are not a daredevil. You are cautious and careful. Luke’s love for adventure could push you into situations you aren’t comfortable with. How are you going to handle that?”
    Leila thought about how she had pressed herself against her car in fear when Luke brought the picture frame to her. Eli was right. Surprises, spontaneity, risk—they scared her. She would never climb to the top of a water tower. She never even would have gone to the little indie theater without Luke there to protect her. Eli had been right when he called Leila out on being the “go to” girl when it came to dating. She became that person because it was safer than putting herself out there and risking real hurt in order to find something truly great.
    “Well,” Leila said slowly, “I’ll guess I’ll have to compromise a little. Some of the things he likes to do I could theoretically talk myself into trying, and when he wants to do something I’m really not comfortable with I’ll just have to be honest.”
    “Which you’ve previously pointed out isn’t that easy.”
    Sighing, Leila watched her shoes as they plodded along the path. “I know, but I’m getting better at it thanks to you. I was honest with Luke last night.”
    “Really?”
    “Try not to sound too shocked,” Leila said drily. “We saw a movie after dinner, and when he asked me what I thought about it, I told him the truth. I told him that while it was beautifully done, I’d rather watch Audrey Hepburn throw slippers at Professor Higgins.”
    “ My Fair Lady ,” Eli said with a chuckle. “I’m more partial to Charade , personally.”
    “Oh, I love Charade , and Sabrina .”
    “What did Luke say about your movie preferences?”
    Leila ducked her head to hide a girlish blush. She wasn’t totally sure why, but she didn’t want Eli to see how much Luke’s consideration had touched her. “He said he knew of a theater that showed black and whites on Sunday mornings.”
    “How nice,” Eli said. The way he said it sounded like he didn’t actually think it was all that nice. That made Leila wonder, but Eli shook it off quickly. “So, are you going to see him again?”
    “Tuesday before he leaves.”
    “Leaves?”
    “The paper is sending him on assignment for a few weeks.”
    Eli grinned. “Good.”
    “Huh?”
    “How’s your side feeling?” he asked.
    “Fine, I guess.”
    Motioning for her to pick up the pace, Eli broke back into a jog. Not wanting to be left behind, not to mention curious, Leila joined him. Her muscles didn’t appreciate her curiosity